Salford Red Devils Education Academy came from 0-18 down to win their first game of the 2017/18 season against Wigan Warriors Education Academy.
A late Jack Ratcliffe long-range try was the difference between the sides in an early curtain raiser for the Red Devils first Super League game of the season at home to Wigan Warriors.
The Warriors Education Academy crossed for three unanswered tries in the early stages of the first half and immediately put the Red Devils on the back foot.
However, half-back Tom Farr managed to break through the Wigan defensive line down the left flank before finding Kane Briggs with a great offload allowing Briggs to finish under the posts. Farr followed up with the conversion.
Salford were creating chances down the left-hand side and a flowing move to the flank found centre Matthew Jones who rounded the Wigan winger before going over the top of the Warriors full-back.
But, the visitors did go over twice either side of the interval opening up a 16-point lead in the early stages of the second half.
The Red Devils refused to lie down though and began their fightback thanks to Jack Ratcliffe who sliced through the Wigan line from close-range to begin the comeback. Farr converted.
Salford’s pressure continued and hooker Dan Goddard saw an opening and burrowed his way over from acting half-back. Farr converted again to pull the Red Devils within four points of their visitors.
And, with just four minutes left on the clock half-back Ratcliffe, who has been training with the first team, managed to cut through the Wigan defence from a scrum on Salford’s 10m line. A valiant effort from the Wigan full-back couldn’t stop Ratcliffe who handed him off in the process of racing 90 metres to draw the Red Devils level. Farr’s conversion sealed victory for the hosts.
The Salford Red Devils Education Academy’s next fixture is on Wednesday 6th December against Wigan and Leigh College with whom they drew 42-42 in the opening game of the season.
Man of the Match – Sam Bardsley.
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